As herdsmen attacks persist: Agatu youths give military quit notice

Tension is mounting in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State following a dramatic call by aggrieved youths for the immediate withdrawal of military personnel stationed in the area over worsening insecurity and recurring herdsmen attacks.

In what appears to be a strong vote of no confidence in Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), the Agatu Indigenous Youth Association (AIYA) accused soldiers deployed to the area of failing to protect lives and property despite repeated attacks on communities.

The group, in a petition addressed to the Commandant of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, alleged that residents no longer feel safe under military protection and now live in fear amid continuous attacks by armed herdsmen.

The petition, signed by the Convener and Interim National President of AIYA, Ochokwunu Edor, claimed that the military had failed to respond promptly to intelligence reports and distress calls from vulnerable communities.

According to the youths, the people of Agatu have lost confidence in the ability of soldiers to secure the area.

“Our people no longer feel safe under the protection of the military, and we have lost total trust in their ability and willingness to secure our lives and property,” the group stated.

The youths further alleged that security personnel rarely carry out patrols unless residents provide logistics support, including fuel for operational vehicles.

“There are no security patrols except when contacted. Even when contacted, personnel allegedly demand fuel before responding, and sometimes move to affected areas at their own convenience,” the petition alleged.

The association cited the recent attack on Odugbeho community on May 2, 2026, where four persons were reportedly killed despite alleged intelligence warnings before the invasion.

According to the group, no security personnel were deployed to the community ahead of the attack.

AIYA also accused military personnel of failing to intervene during another attack on Olegabulu community despite their presence within the locality.

The development has sparked fresh debate over the effectiveness of military operations in parts of Benue State where rural communities continue to suffer repeated attacks linked to armed herdsmen.

For years, Agatu has remained one of the worst-hit areas in Benue, recording deadly attacks, mass displacement and destruction of farmlands.

The youths argued that insecurity worsened after the deployment of soldiers to the area, insisting that communities experienced relative peace between 2013 and 2017 when Mobile Police officers handled security operations.

The association therefore called on relevant authorities to immediately replace military personnel with Mobile Police officers.

“We request the deployment of Mobile Police officers to Agatu to replace the military,” the group stated.

The petition was copied to several prominent stakeholders, including the Och’Idoma IV, HRM John Elaigwu Odogbo, Senator Abba Moro, the member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, Ojotu Ojema, and the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Council, Melvin Ejeh.

When contacted, the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lt. Zubairu Ahmad, declined comments on the allegations.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin Ejeh, said he was yet to receive the petition.